The focus of the study reported here is on two issues: whether the two most elaborate systems of natural observation, that is, those developed by Escalona and Watts could be applied to mother-child interaction recorded in a teaching situation; and whether there are relationships between maternal-child behavior so observed, and a more extended…

In this study an attempt was made to obtain a developmental dimension for estimating longitudinal development on the basis of cross-sectional data. To check the validity of this approach, the cross-sectional data were compared with true longitudinal data. Forty-three public school children were given a series of conservation tasks in four…

This is the first of a two volume report on a Day Care Inventory designed to assess the day care child's understanding of his physical, social, and personal world. Theoretical and research literature on the development of the child, the available assessment techniques, and the results of an initial survey regarding day care objectives were the…

Much of our thinking about contemporary social problems reflects tacit presuppositions regarding the operation of heredity and environment in human behavior. These beliefs have important implications for practical decisions. Advances in genetics, psychology, anthropology, and other disciplines have contributed much to a clarification of the…

This paper begins with the discussion of how certain developments in psychology have influenced present educational methods, and how recent work in learning theory, developmental psychology, and psychometrics strongly suggests new directions for educational research and practice. This theme is discussed in the context of a central problem in…

Malnutrition can be defined as a lack of a sufficient quantity or quality of nutrients to maintain the body system at some definable level of functioning. It has been estimated that nearly half the children in the world today grow and develop under conditions of protein or protein-calorie malnutrition sufficient to impair their physical…

Reviews the current theories concerning individual differences in cognitive functioning. While some argue that heredity places a genetic cap on intellectual development, others emphasize the dynamic interrelationship between cultural and environmental factors. Concludes that intelligence is more complex than the heredity advocates allow. (MJP)

Reviews theories which link college attendance and moral judgment. Evaluation is made on basis of longitudinal, experimental, correlational, educational, and life experience studies. The theories of generalized understanding, intellectual stimulation, and generalized learning are found to be more plausible than simple age/maturation,…

Presents models specifically designed to help students build group cohesion, to encourage them to think and act more compassionately, and to provide them with more leadership opportunities. Describes the "just community" approach and moral dilemma methods based on Kohlberg's moral development theory. Examines school counselor's role in…

Studied the impact of life experience on women's cognitive and ethical development. Considered the structure and historical and social factors of such development, and the importance of higher education in attaining high positions on W.G. Perry's developmental scale. Factors found to affect women's positions on the scale were attitudes toward…

Through the longitudinal study of families over two decades in Chiapas, Mexico, this chapter relates historical changes on the macro level to changes in human development and socialization on the micro level. (Author)

Investigates the drawing and copying skills of nine autistic and eight mentally retarded children matched for mental age. Results indicate a similarity of performance for the drawing tasks and significant differences concerning the copying. Discusses the specific functions performed better by the autistic children and provides illustrative…

Noting that beyond the individual variations among humans, there is a body of mental abilities common to every human being, this book examines the debate among researchers about the extent to which humans are "preprogrammed," and suggests a new scientific psychology of human development. By examining experimental data obtained from…

This paper examines the educational philosophy underlying Waldorf Education, focusing on Rudolf Steiner's concept of "vital" or etheric energy and comparing Piaget's and Steiner's stages of cognition. The paper begins with a discussion of school readiness and the trend toward lowering the school entry age, and maintains that this trend…

This book provides research in the area of educational play for early childhood teachers and teacher educators. Following an introduction by the editors, the chapters of the book are: (1) "A Historical Overview of Theories of Play" (Olivia Saracho and Bernard Spodek); (2) "Playing with a Theory of Mind" (Angeline Lillard); (3)…